From the Principal

Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy wrote recently to those schools that belong to the Anglican Schools Commission, and I wanted to share with you some of her comments.

While All Saints’ College is not one of these Anglican Schools Commission schools – our College is autonomous and not part of such a system – her words are just as relevant to us.

The Archbishop’s letter was in response to recent media coverage relating to the Federal Government’s consideration of the Ruddock review on religious freedom, and particularly the concerns raised by some New South Wales schools for the protection of exemptions in the Sex Discrimination Act.

The purpose of the Archbishop’s letter was to note that changes are not anticipated to the approach that Anglican Schools Commission schools take in relation to staff and students.

Our Archbishop writes:

“The Anglican Church of Australia is a broad one. We believe that human beings are created in the image of God, loved by God, infinitely valued and worthy of dignity. Within our Church there is a wide spectrum of understanding of human sexuality and gender. This diversity of opinion may also exist in your school community.

“Our school communities should be places which reflect the imprint of God’s grace for the students and staff within them. Our school communities should be places in which all members of the community may grow into the full measure of God’s love...

“I acknowledge and applaud the approach of the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) in employing teachers and staff who support the Anglican ethos and values of the Anglican Church...

“Sexual orientation is not a consideration in the employment of teachers or support staff, nor the enrolling of students in ASC schools. ASC schools are inclusive communities...ASC schools are inclusive schools which proactively outreach to create opportunities and an inclusive, supportive environment for students and staff who identify as LGBTI.”

I welcome Archbishop Kay’s words and felt it important to pass on this affirming message of inclusivity.

Ms Belinda Provis

Principal